"The first bill before me is Introductory Number 149-A, sponsored by Council Members Vallone, Addabbo, Gerson, Koppell, Nelson, Recchia, Yassky, Moskowitz, Gallagher, Quinn, Martinez, Monserrate, Gentile, Fidler, Avella, Liu, Weprin, Sears, Oddo and Speaker Miller. This bill requires the Department of Buildings to maintain a record of alteration permits issued for the installation of cellular telephone antennae and equipment.

"Over the last decade, cellular telephones have become an increasingly important part of everyday life. As the demand for greater and improved cellular service increases, wireless service providers must find ways to further develop their infrastructure in order to meet this demand. Currently, providers seeking to install new cellular antennae or equipment on a structure within New York City must file for an alteration permit with the Department of Buildings. However, the type of alteration permit the Department requires does not distinguish cellular antennae or equipment from other types of alterations, making them difficult to track through the Department's records.

"To address this issue, Intro. 149A requires the Department of Buildings to maintain a separate list of alteration permits issued for the placement of cellular antennae or related equipment, and to make this list publicly available. The list will include all such permits issued after the effective date of the law.

"I would like to thank the Commissioner of Department of Buildings, Patricia Lancaster, and the City Council for their leadership on this issue."